The Technical University Teachers' Association of Ghana (TUTAG) has clarified that the non-payment of Book and Research Allowances is no longer a primary concern driving its current industrial action. According to TUTAG National President, Professor Deodat E. Adenutsi, the government has initiated payment processes for the allowances, addressing this issue. However, outstanding payments to colleagues on post-retirement contracts and other concerns remain unresolved, prompting the strike.
Professor Adenutsi revealed that TUTAG has exhausted all available channels of engagement to address the non-payment of post-retirement contracts. The association has held repeated face-to-face meetings and formal correspondence with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministries of Education, Finance, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Fair Wages Commission, and National Labour Commission. Despite these efforts, no tangible solution has been achieved, with some affected staff remaining unpaid for 27 months.
The unilateral variation of the agreed scheme of service is another ground for the strike. TUTAG is concerned about government agencies introducing administrative arrangements inconsistent with the association's agreed scheme of service, without involving TUTAG. This has created uncertainty on campuses, particularly regarding the status and remuneration of university librarians. The association cites the case of librarians as an example of these inconsistencies.
TUTAG has also objected to a GTEC directive requiring Assistant Lecturers/Assistant Research Fellows to complete a PhD before re-designation in those capacities. The association views this requirement as a substantive unilateral departure that undermines legitimate career expectations and disadvantages eligible staff. This directive has contributed to the ongoing industrial action.
Professor Adenutsi emphasized that unless TUTAG's concerns are resolved, members cannot continue to provide services while earned remuneration remains unpaid and agreed conditions are subjected to inconsistent implementation. In light of this, he directed all TUTAG members to withdraw their services related to teaching, supervision of students' research, and submission of examination marks, indefinitely.
However, TUTAG members are expected to perform other professional duties, including attending meetings, working on boards and committees, conducting research, and rendering community service. This directive aims to minimize the impact of the strike on students and the academic calendar while maintaining pressure on the government to address TUTAG's concerns.
The ongoing industrial action by TUTAG highlights the challenges facing Ghana's education sector, particularly in the technical university subsector. The association's demands focus on ensuring fair treatment and payment of its members, as well as consistency in the implementation of agreed-upon schemes of service.
Key points
- TUTAG cites unpaid post-retirement contracts as a primary ground for its industrial action.
- The association objects to a GTEC directive requiring Assistant Lecturers/Assistant Research Fellows to complete a PhD before re-designation.
- TUTAG members have been directed to withdraw services related to teaching, supervision of students' research, and submission of examination marks.
